Tim Harsin was the head football coach at Auburn University from January 2013 to November 2022, and he is no longer employed by the institution. His tenure ended after a 5–7 season in 2022, which concluded with his dismissal in November of that year. The university officially parted ways with Harsin after six-and-a-half years as head coach and bought out the remaining guaranteed money in his contract. This status clarification summarizes the current standing: Auburn is not and will not resume paying Harsin, as his employment concluded with his termination in 2022.
Employment Timeline and Final Status
Key Dates and Contractual Events
Below is a summary of the most relevant dates and terms related to Tim Harsin’s coaching tenure and separation from Auburn.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| December 2012 | Hired as Auburn head coach | Started a new era following the previous program transition |
| January 2013 | Season debut | Officially began leading the program |
| November 2022 | Termination of employment | Final date of service; no longer receiving compensation from AuburnMarked the end of his tenure and relationship with the university |
After his termination in November 2022, Auburn did not retain Harsin on staff or continue any form of payment related to his coaching role. The buyout of his remaining contract guaranteed amounts confirmed the university’s move to fully conclude the employment relationship.
Context on Auburn Athletics Compensation Practices
How Head Coaching Contracts Work at Auburn
Auburn, like many major college athletic programs, structures head coaching contracts with guaranteed money, buyout clauses, and performance-related incentives. When a head coach is dismissed, the university typically fulfills the contractual buyout obligations and then ceases further compensation. In Harsin's case, the buyout executed at the time of his termination released Auburn from future payment obligations under the terms of his agreement.
The structure of such contracts is designed to protect both parties: the coach receives guaranteed compensation for the agreed period, and the university secures a defined exit strategy if the performance or other expectations are not met. Once the buyout is settled and the contract is terminated, there is no ongoing financial relationship, which explains why Auburn is not and will not continue paying Harsin beyond his last active pay period in late 2022.
Public Records and Official Statements
Sources and Evidence
Official announcements from Auburn Athletics in November 2022 stated the decision to part ways with Harsin and outlined the terms of the buyout. University leadership cited a need for a new direction in the program following a season that did not meet competitive expectations. These statements, along with payroll and contract records, confirm that his final day of employment was in November 2022.
Media reports from that time and subsequent legal filings related to coaching contracts in college athletics corroborate the timeline and the nature of the separation. No credible source indicates that Auburn resumed payments to Harsin after the termination date or has any current financial obligation to him in connection with his head coaching role.
Financial and Contractual Implications
Understanding Buyout Clauses and Guarantees
Buyout clauses in major college coaching contracts specify the amount a university must pay if it terminates a coach before the contract expires. They also often define any guaranteed salary for upcoming seasons. When Auburn exercised its option to terminate Harsin, it triggered the agreed-upon buyout, and the remaining guaranteed sums were settled according to the contract terms.
After such a settlement, the employer no longer owes the coach salary or benefits related to the terminated position. For Auburn, this meant that after the buyout was completed, there was no financial reason or contractual basis to continue paying Harsin, which aligns with the current status that the university has not and will not pay him further.
Comparisons with Similar Programs
Industry Standards for Dismissed Head Coaches
Across Power Five conferences, it is standard practice that a head coach who is dismissed sees their employment and compensation end with the effective date of termination, subject only to pre-agreed buyout amounts. Programs typically do not continue salary payments to a former head coach who no longer provides coaching services. Auburn followed this convention when it concluded Harsin’s employment and fulfilled its contractual obligations. This practice reflects both fiscal responsibility and the business nature of collegiate athletics administration.
- Employment ends on the official termination date in the coach’s final season
- Buyout terms are executed and final compensation is settled at that point
- No ongoing payments are made to a dismissed head coach for their prior role
- Continued payments would require a new, active agreement or consultancy arrangement
Addressing Rumors and Public Questions
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
Because college football coaching changes are highly visible, misinformation can persist online. Some speculation has suggested that Auburn might still be paying Harsin in some form, but this is not supported by any official data or public records. The conclusion of his contract and the buyout process clearly indicate that Auburn is under no obligation to pay him further. Understanding how college coaching contracts work helps clarify why this is the case and supports the straightforward status outlined here.
Bottom Line
Auburn is not paying Tim Harsin, and there is no arrangement in place that would result in future payments. His time as the head coach ended in November 2022, and the university executed a buyout of his remaining contract obligations at that time. All financial responsibilities tied to his employment as head coach were settled then, and there is no current or prospective payment relationship between Auburn and Harsin related to his role as former head football coach.